Student Reactions to President’s Plan

During his speech at Knox College, President Obama said he will present a plan in the coming months for dealing with the rising costs of higher education.

“Family and tax payers can’t just keep paying more and more and more into an undisciplined system where costs just keep going up and up and up,” Obama said.

The crowd reacts to the president's speech

Credit Chris Lovingood

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Western Illinois University junior Kelsey Green, who was seated on stage behind the president, said the speech gave her confidence about paying for her college education.

“Both my parents are teachers so it’s good to hear that he wants to make an improvement with [education],” said Green. “He wants to make improvements now, and if he has to take it on by himself it’s good to know that he’s willing to do that.”

Knox student Jamal Nelson was in the reserved seating next to the stage. He said the speech left him feeling more motivated to stay focused on his endeavors.

“What he spoke of today just makes me want to do more, want to work hard,” said Nelson. “It doesn’t take anything else but hard work to go where I want to go.”

The president said it’s critical to make sure college is affordable to every American willing to work for it.

If you would like to view a short interview with Knox College President Dr. Theresa Amott, you can find it on our YouTube channel or link directly to the interview here.